Parky urges Will to move north to kick -start career
Phil Parkinson says he has urged Will Grigg to move to the North East – as the striker aims to kick-start his Sunderland career.
A high-profile arrival from Wigan Athletic in January 2019, Grigg is yet to hit the desired heights at the Stadium of Light – scoring just eight goals since his move to the club.
The striker was close to a move away from Sunderland in January and is likely to be once again linked with an exit this summer.
But Parkinson insists that Grigg remains a Sunderland player.
And the Black Cats boss says he has told the striker in recent days that a move to Wearside will be the key to delivering on the field.
“Will is a player who, since I’ve been at the club, gets mentioned in every press conference because of the size of the fee and the expectations when he came to the club,” said Parkinson, speaking to BBC Newcastle Total Sport.
“He’s our player and he’s got to come back in pre-season and prove that he’s ready to stake a claim for a place in the team.
“I’ve spoken to him in the last week or so.
“He’s got to get his personal situation worked out and get up and into the area so he’s not commuting up and down as much.
“I really do feel that is important for Will so he can give himself the best chance to justify the reasons we brought him to the club.”
A Northern Ireland international with two goals from 13 caps, Grigg averages 0.4 goals per game throughout a career that has seen him also play for Walsall, Brentford and MK Dons.